© http://www.123rf.com Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen. Faith here means to be bound, to bind together as one. This chapter names multitudes who were faithful unto death without receiving the promises of God in their lifetime. They did, however, welcome them from a distance by faith and confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth (away from their heavenly home). (See Hebrews 11:13) It was from a distance that Abraham looked up and saw Moriah where he was to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. It was also at this time when we witness compelling evidence of Abraham’s binding faith in God when he told his two servants to stay behind while he and Isaac were to go and worship God and return to them. (See Genesis 22:5) Sometimes, perhaps frequently, you may feel the stress and adversities of everyday life and feel that God is far away, but be reminded that God told Abraham and Sarah, regarding the birth of Isaac, that nothing was too difficult for Him. (Genesis 18:14) Today we have access to God and are brought near to God through Jesus who shed His blood that we may be forgiven and inherit eternal life. Now, we can experience a close, personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus--no longer from a distance. LISTEN TO AUDIOIf you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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© Carolyn Marshall, www.livinglifephoto.com Shirley and I recently attended a memorial service for Dr. Daniel Mayer, a wonderful man of God who officiated our wedding 35 ½ years ago. The congregation sang one of his favorite hymns, “It is Well with My Soul.” The first verse says, “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” Though we are certain to experience peace and sorrow, it is God’s desire for us to have unbroken communion and fellowship with Him. When Jesus fed the multitude of 5,000 men, plus women and children—perhaps 15,000 people—with five loaves and two fish, the disciples were present to witness this miracle in a safe and peaceful setting. However, His disciples were soon sent out to sea where they were to face physical and spiritual sea billows of great magnitude. Jesus had gone up to a mountain to pray, and we can be assured He was praying for them. In Matthew 14, we read where He came to them walking upon the water, and He saved them all from perishing. If you will call out to Jesus, He will come to you, also, just like He came to Peter when he began to sink, and you, too, will be able to say, “It is well with my soul.” (Message recorded 7/15/12) LISTEN TO AUDIOPERSONAL TESTIMONIESPastor Mark shares a personal testimony with us prior to the morning's message. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Listen to the personal testimonies and/or download file. Daniel was only sixteen when he was taken from Jerusalem into Babylonian captivity in 605 B.C. In chapter nine, he was in his eighties and still retained his perennial devotion and steadfastness to the only true and living God. He was determined and focused to abide by God's law in a far away and strange land. Perennial means "to last or endure an indefinitely long time." Knowing that his enemies were trying to trick him into disobeying King Darius' decree (not to worship or petition any god but Darius alone), Daniel opened his windows toward Jerusalem and "...he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously." (Daniel 6:10, Proverbs 15:15) Today, our Father in Heaven is looking for people who are faithfully committed in their devotion and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Like Daniel, who was not swallowed up in a pagan culture, all God's people must strive to "...come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord. And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you." (2 Corinthians 6:17) How about you? Do you have a perennial passion, or are you content just being seasonal in a lukewarm relationship with Jesus Christ? Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
Personal Testimonies: Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark opens the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark and others and/or download mp3 file.)
On January 14, the Tampa Tribune printed an article covering most of the front page about Tim Tebow, a devout Christian and quarterback of the Denver Broncos football team. The story was titled, "BOTH ON THE FIELD AND OFF, TIM TEBOW IS A MAN ON A MISSION." The article stated that, "the Denver quarterback has faith-driven motivation to capitalize on his time in the spotlight." This 24-year-old young man is humbly determined and committed to use his celebrity status on the world's athletic stage to glorify Jesus Christ. In like manner, all God's children have an obligation to let the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shine in their daily life. God has a mission for you–a faith-driven mission that will please Him. He will fashion, mold, and shape you into the image of Jesus Christ, right where you are. He will connect the dots and put the pieces together for you. Most likely you are not famous like Tim, but you and I, and whomsoever will, must have faith-driven motivation and "...walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8, 9) Do you have faith-driven motivation? Are you on a mission for Jesus Christ–for such a time as this? Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
Personal Testimonies: Prior to the morning's message, Pastor Mark opens the floor to life testimonies. It is great encouragement to hear how the Lord is working in each of our lives. Click the forward button below to play the personal testimonies of Pastor Mark and others and/or download mp3 file.)
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